SEC Network’s Marcus Spears, Tim Tebow and Greg McElroy spoke to the media Friday afternoon to discuss their thoughts on the Texas A&M and Alabama matchup. Here are some of the highlights.
Tim Tebow
On the importance of the Alabama game for A&M
“I think a lot of people looked at Arizona State as, ‘Is this A&M team really back?’ That was a big statement and this is the real statement because in the SEC right now, Alabama has been the dominant team and to get over that hump that you got to beat Alabama. I think A&M has the talent to do that but we will see at 2:30.”
On the importance of the A&M game for Alabama
“It’s going to be really difficult. They would have to have a lot go there way for them to get to Atlanta. It’s going to be very difficult, but I think the pressure going into this game, I think it’s on A&M more so than Alabama. Bama has been tested in a couple really good games — SEC games. For A&M, this is their opportunity to say, ‘Hey, we are deserving of a top ten — and if they win this game — probably a top five ranking.’ A lot of people would be talking about them going to the College Football Playoff.”
Analysis on A&M’s quarterback Kyle Allen
“I think Kyle keeps getting better every week. I think Kyle shows signs that he can be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. I think he does a great job of moving in the pocket and continuing to throw accurately down the field. I think he’s got more athleticism than people realize. I think something that is underrated is when you have a guy like Kyler [Murray] that comes in as that fast and explosive. But Kyle’s really an athletic quarterback, and I think that this A&M offense goes with Kyle Allen. It’s going to be an awesome test for him tomorrow.”
Thoughts on Kyle Field and the atmosphere
“It’s sweet. This place is sweet. I remember last year was the first time I got here and I was like, ‘Okay, they might have the best facilities in the country.’ It’s pretty ridiculous. I can see why they get a lot of recruits.”
Marcus Spears
On if Alabama has more pressure since they are on the road
“I bet if you probe these guys, they prefer to be at home playing but Alabama is at a point now where it’s must win because Ole Miss is actually in control of the [SEC] West with that win that they have [over Alabama]. So, every game that they play is technically, their backs are against the wall. I think that’s why you saw the type of performance they put on against Georgia because they have that sense now that it’s either now or never.”
Thoughts on Kyle Allen
“I’m itching on the side of saying he is the best quarterback in the SEC right now. Based on how he’s been performing and just the control and command he has with the offense, so it will be interesting to see those matchups.”
How last year’s performance shapes the mentality of a Texas A&M player
“It is so cliché for coaches to say, but you can bring back the same guys on offense, defense and special teams starting, and you can go from one year to the next and it’s a different team. Guys are more matured, hopefully you’re better football players, hopefully you are bigger, stronger and faster. Obviously, when you lose like they lost last year against Alabama, it probably does put a little extra edge and a little extra gas in the tank. You would like to think that they would like to disprove that this team is dominant over them. That should be the mentality and if you’ve got any blood in your veins as a football player, you have to remember those type of games when you have another shot to play in one.”
On A&M’s defense and John Chavis
“At LSU, he was known for his defensive units playing with a chip on their shoulder and trying to expose weaknesses in offenses. I think that’s what he’s done and what has made him so successful as a defensive coordinator. All of the really good ones that I’ve been around, they try to dictate what the offense does. I think that’s what he’s had the ability to do thus far. Now, one thing I didn’t like was how Arkansas was able to run the football. I think that’s what A&M’s Achilles heel has been for these past few years.”
The changes A&M’s made this season
“I’m a realist, and I love the guys on this team and coach Sumlin. We got to question, why is A&M never in the conversation? Because A&M hasn’t won anything. That is how you get in the conversation in this league. That is what they are doing now. They are trying to establish the fact that we will be a team that will go deep until November still on the cusp of being able to play in Atlanta and potentially get to the College Football Playoff. To me, A&M’s season starts Saturday because you run the gauntlet of Alabama and then you face another really heavy running game against LSU later on down the road.”
Greg McElroy
Thoughts on Kyle Field
“The atmosphere, I was here at Kyle Field at 5:30 this morning — 5:30 central — and people were out and setting up. You could feel the atmosphere. Seldom can you ever really prepare for an environment like this. It’s just something special about college football, and a game like this is probably its best example of something really neat.”
Thoughts on Jake Coker
“Jake has had some games in which he’s played extremely well. Really, if you look at the game against Georgia, the first three quarters were outstanding. The fourth quarter was average. If you look at the game last week against Arkansas, first half was average, second half very good. So he’s just got to figure out a way to play 60 minutes and consistent football. He’s just been a little bit up and down. Sometimes it does look like he lacks focus when he plays.”
Thoughts on the Cam Robinson vs. Myles Garrett matchup 
“Right now, based on the way Cam Robinson is playing, Myles Garrett has the upper hand. Cam Robinson has been slowed. I know he’s had a couple injuries that have held him back a bit. But you know, he’s a first round left tackle that a lot of people expected to be a top five guy in the draft next year, but quite frankly he hasn’t played that well … He hasn’t played as aggressive and he looks a little banged up. He’s going to have to play one of his best games against what I think is maybe one of the best defensive ends in college football in Myles Garrett, he’s a special one for sure.”